For many British property buyers, one of the great draws of a property in Spain is a big dose of sunshine only a short flight away. But what kind of atmosphere can you expect in Spain in the dead of winter? Having lived in Spain for over a decade, Sally, our resident writer there, has expert knowledge on what to get up to during the off-season.
Keen to spend winters in your Spanish abode?
Life in Spain is in full swing in the summer months with music festivals, regattas, picnics and all sorts of fun activities. What is it like though when the crowds have gone to their respective homes and in much of the country temperatures drop?
Obviously, life continues in much the same way in the major cities, though more time may be spent indoors. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga and some others are “always open” with cultural and religious events all year round. Plus, the mountainous regions are open for business with skiing and other winter sports.
But many people seek a home in a small town positioned along Spain’s dazzling coastline. But many of these small towns can have a “closed down” feel from October to Easter. The beaches are no longer full of suntan seekers, the sea is maybe a touch too cold, the bars have wound down. But quiet doesn’t necessarily mean boring!
With the Costa Blanca seeing highs of 12 degrees in January, Spain can be a wonderful escape from the bite of a northern European winter. Think jumpers and jackets instead of waterproof coats as thick as duvets.
If you’re planning to move to Spain full time, here’s some insight into how you could spend your winters. Alternatively, if you’re seeking a second home there, here’s why you won’t want to just visit it in summer. This is what your Spanish neighbours will be getting up to…
Find homes in Spain via our property portal.
Can you get to your Spanish home in winter?
Transport tips for journeying to your casa in the winter…
Yes, of course but it may not be possible to get a flight to your most local airport. Ryanair, for example, reduces its flights in winter and may only offer one a week to/from your preferred destination. Flights from the UK are available all year to the larger airports and since public transport here is excellent, you could take the train or bus to your town if necessary. Schedules at Christmas may vary.
Cinema trips
More and more local cinemas are now offering films in VO (original version) and that includes English. Some are dubbed but it is usual to show them in English with Spanish subtitles. This is not only a bonus for English speakers, but it can also help with understanding the Spanish language. Often, they are the latest releases so you can keep up to date and discuss them with friends back in the UK or other countries.
Bingo!
Surprisingly, bingo is popular at Christmas time in Spain. You’ll need to know your numbers in Spanish to play but it’s fun and it’s also a great way to meet locals. Not all regions indulge in this activity but if you find it where you live, be brave and go to enjoy yourself.
Concerts
Most towns will offer concerts of various types during the winter months. They won’t be in the fresh air of course but in larger theatres and concert halls. Head to Spanish Ticketmaster for a list of major current and upcoming concerts in your area.
Padel and tennis
Padel, played indoors, has become a very popular all-year-round sport in Spain. You will find a padel club in almost every town, often more than one. Again, it’s a good way to meet new people of all ages while keeping fit.
Even when the weather is cooler, you can usually play tennis. It’s a great way to make new friends and to socialise while enjoying the game.
Clubs and language classes
Join a class!
All types of clubs continue in winter. Book clubs, sports clubs, photography clubs are happy to welcome new members. The quieter months are also a good time to improve your Spanish (or Catalan, Galician, Basque) so join a class. It’s also another great way to meet people.
There are several associations for foreigners living in Spain which have activities all year round. One such is the U3A which offers several activities to English speaking people and there are several branches in Spain. For more information, head to their site.
Shops are open or closed?
In the smaller resorts it’s likely that independent shops serving tourists will close until the season opens, usually around Easter. But there will always be food shops, supermarkets, bakeries open and other retailers selling the necessities of life. However, in the larger towns they will mostly stay open, perhaps taking a two to three week holiday in February. The January sales are a major event and last about a month. You won’t find 70% reductions, but you can find bargains of up to 40% discount on genuine articles in smaller shops that haven’t been bought in just for the sales.
Markets
Daily and weekly markets continue throughout the year. The number of stalls might be reduced but there will always be fresh produce, fish and meats available.
Christmas markets in the large towns are great and most smaller towns have street markets at this time of the year, selling gifts and Christmas decorations, often handmade. You will also find specialist food stalls, jewellery makers, textiles and lots more.
Your town hall information
To find out what’s on in your town, go to your town hall website or download the App and check the agenda. Here, you’ll find a list of everything happening in your immediate area for the month, times of when libraries are open, activities for children, concerts, films, etc. This is an invaluable source of information, and you might also look at neighbouring towns’ websites to find out what’s going on there too.
Eating out
Tuck in!
Even if several restaurants and bars are closed, there will always be some open and it’s a good time to try out somewhere new in another location. One thing to be aware of is that many eateries will only open Thursdays to Sundays in the winter months. Evenings or Sunday lunch only. However, those attached to supermarkets are open and some are surprisingly good.
Bars serving locals will stay open and offer simple fare. Football being the main sport in Spain, bars will have their TVs on for all matches and there’s usually a merry atmosphere inside no matter how chilly it is outside. Some bars have more extravagant menus, others just stick to basics but there will always be someone to talk to even if your Spanish isn’t great. It’s always worth trying to communicate and can result in lots of laughing!
Despite things appearing to be very quiet in winter, you will find there is a lot going on, but you need to be proactive and seek it out.
You might also like:
